1c Blue, Type II, Plate 2 Crack (7 var). Positions 1-3L2, strip of three with full top left corner sheet margins, clearly showing the outline of the plate, Position 2L2 with huge "Lightning Bolt" crack along right side of design, the early state of the crack, slightly toned original gum, middle stamp with light vertical crease, left stamp with light vertical crease in the margin clear of the ornaments

A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM STRIP FROM THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF PLATE 2, SHOWING ONE OF THE "BIG FLAW" PLATE CRACK POSITONS.

Unlike plate cracks resulting from stress fractures during the course of printing, the Plate 2 crack is believed to have been caused by an integral flaw in the steel. As Plate 2 was used, the crack widened and extended downward into the fourth row. Due to the nature of this unusually large crack, Ashbrook preferred to call it the "Plate 2 Flaw." This strip shows the crack at an early stage.

With 2003 P.F. certificate

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